Spending the night in the apartment was something I promised to Shio. Although it was granted this way, my beautiful teacher was still ecstatic that it happened.

Well, I also didnt think it would happen this way. From the conversation we had earlier and about how she and Nao went on to prepare for it, I thought I would see them at home with excited smiles plastered on their lips.

However, upon arriving home, Miwa-nee revealed to me that Nao already packed her things which Shio lugged into the back of her car when they returned around an hour before we arrived.

Thats why after walking Eimi home, I first joined Akane and Miwa-nee for dinner before telling them that I would be sleeping at our apartment.

Uh. Honestly, even if I didnt talk to them about me going to spend the night there, Akane already looked like she was about to tell me to go.

Her knowing smile conveyed that I better stand up fast and dont let them wait for me.

In any case, I still spent time with them before going out of the house. I also checked on Sena who told me that Coach Ayu was already up and they went home together. Well, shes still out of sorts because of her flu. Thats why Sena brought her to their house where theyre going to eat dinner.

Coach Ayu wasnt a stranger there, after all. She's been Sena's trainer ever since she started her boxing journey.

And while I was on my way to the apartment, I took the time to check on the girls I havent seen today. Starting from Ria and ending with Hina.

Ria was already in her pajamas, hugging a pillow while reading the backside of the packet of chocolate she had just finished eating. That girl still had that habit of hers. I tried telling her off but the girl tried to counter that by reciting what she just read. By the end of our conversation, the girl was laughing heartily with tears of joy lining her eyes.

Hina had just gotten out of the bath, wearing almost nothing but a loose silk pair of pajamas that she showcased for my eyes to feast on.

Ah. No. Thinking about it, that girl intentionally unbuttoned her top upon noticing me calling her, blatantly tempting and teasing me. Furthermore, she had that mischievous smile as she also focused her camera on her partly curtained window. From there, I could see Ogawa staring out of his room. Or more specifically, his eyes were staring into her room.

Because of her curtain, it was impossible for him to see her. However, the way she put up the phone was enough for that coward to see who she was talking with.

We could see each other, after all.

Obviously, shes aware of it and she also intentionally showed that to him. Thats why I played with her scheme, infuriating that guy. Enough for him to storm off his room.

For that guy to react like that, its either he hated my guts or that I was talking with Hina deep in the night or both. I couldnt care less about what he thinks anyway.

Seconds after that, his sister, Kazuha, showed up in his room and saw me. Most likely, she wondered why her brother looked like a defeated puppy, escaping from his own room.

Due to that, she called out to Hina which made the girl flustered, thinking she would be berated.

Fortunately, Hina quickly picked herself up, acting like she didnt know what actually happened. And with that, Kazuha somehow joined our conversation.

Thats unexpected. Truly unexpected.

However, compared to the first time I saw her, her older sister aura oozed out. Even more than how Setsuna appeared as Satsuki's older sister.

Kazuha ended up looking out for Hina, reminding the girl to close her curtain when having a nightly call with her boyfriend; me. And she did all that without mentioning the furious Ogawa.

If I had to guess, she failed to comprehend that Hina intentionally showed me to Ogawa which made that coward furious.

Thats actually a good thing. Hina was saved from being seen by Kazuha negatively. Hina only had that grudge against Ogawa. When it comes to his sister, she was like a little sister to Kazuha.

Anyway, thats what happened before reaching this apartment.

And now With Shio jumping into my arms as soon as I arrived, my mind once again did its wonder, focusing all my attention on her at once.

Finally, Ruru. I can have you in our apartment. Shio exclaimed while acting like a clingy girlfriend.

Its not bad but Nao, who was also in this apartment, was wryly smiling from the kitchen as she watched Shio fawn over me.

Theyre preparing a dessert in their kitchen but this woman dropped the whisk shes holding as soon she heard the door opening.

Mhm Finally, indeed. I first dropped the bag slung on my shoulder before wrapping my arms around her and giving her a much-awaited kiss.

Following that, I carried her by the waist as we walked back to Naos side.

I thought of saying Im sorry, it took this long to fulfill my promise but I swallowed it back down. Thats another deprecating thought, after all. Its better to just live this moment. And we had a day waiting for us.

Honestly, Im jealous but I cant leave this alone, Nao said upon seeing us approach her. Shes decorating the cookies she was about to bake as well as whipping up the cream which Shio stopped doing for a berry shortcake.

Well, her dedication over pastries was definitely so admirable that I wouldnt get tired watching her work at it.

Hearing that, Shio, who appeared to be lost in my embrace, flinched awake. She then shyly slid down my arms before hugging Nao from the back. Im sorry Nao-chan. I got too worked up.

Looking at that scene, its not wrong to say that these two had grown closer in just half a day. Theyre more like sisters now and surprisingly, its Nao who looked like an older sister because of how Shio acted.

Oh. I get it, Shiori-nee. If not because Im busy here, Ill be the same as you. Jumping at our man.

Then, can I hug my Nao? I also missed you, you know?

With how fluffy the atmosphere around them, Im hesitating to break it. But hearing her say that, I couldnt just stand around anymore.

Of course. Ruki, your facial expressions around us have started becoming easier to read You cant hide your feelings for us anymore. But no you and Shiori-nee wait there. Im busy here.

Nao turned smug as she tried commanding both of us. But instead of doing what she mentioned, Shio and I nodded at each other. Even without words, we understood each other this time.

A moment later, Shio tightened her arms wrapped around Nao, even pulling her away for a moment from what shes doing. On the other hand, I stepped forward and lifted Naos chin before planting my lips on hers.

Her smug aura instantly dispersed as her ears and cheeks turned red.

Following that, Shio also peered over Nao's shoulder, asking for the same treatment.

For the next five minutes, our apartment kitchen became filled with the sound of smooches and Naos grumbling about the pastries she hadnt finished yet.